Addressable ptf receptor for iradiated images

ABSTRACT

An addressable receptor in laminate form, and advantageously in PTF laminate form, comprising a front conductive layer including a plurality of substantially parallel front electrode strips and a rear conductive layer also including a plurality of substantially parallel rear electrode strips. The conductive layers are orientated with respect to each other so that an array of electrode regions of intersection is formed corresponding to the regions at which the front electrode strips cross over the rear electrode strips. The first and second conductive layers are separated by a reactive layer comprising a plurality of defined reactive regions. The reactive regions are deployed in a reactive array substantially in register with the array of electrode regions of intersection, so that the reactive regions are electrically addressable by coordinate pairs of first and second electrode strips. The front electrode strips are partially transparent to radiation in a selected waveband. In operation, an irradiated image in the selected waveband is directed onto the receptor laminate. The irradiated pattern passes through the transparent front electrode strips and selectively energizes the addressable reactive regions in a corresponding pattern.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application60/258,566, filed Dec. 27, 2000.

Reference is hereby made to the following two commonly assigned U.S.Patents: (1) ELECTROLUMINESCENT SYSTEM IN MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE, U.S.Pat. No. 5,856,029, issued Jan. 5, 1999, and (2) ELASTOMERICELECTROLUMINESCENT LAMP, U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,030, issued Jan. 5, 1999,the disclosure of which patents are both incorporated herein byreference.

Reference is further made to commonly-assigned co-pending U.S. PatentApplications (1) IRRADIATED IMAGES DESCRIBED BY ELECTRICAL CONTACT INTHREE DIMENSIONS, Ser. No. 09/213,692, filed Dec. 17, 1998, (2)MEMBRANOUS MONOLITHIC EL STRUCTURE WITH URETHANE CARRIER, Ser. No.60/239,507, filed Oct. 11, 2000, and (3) MEMBRANOUS EL SYSTEM INUV-CURED URETHANE ENVELOPE, Ser. No. 60/239,508, filed Oct. 11, 2000,disclosures of which applications are also incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the interpretation and conversion ofirradiated images into electrical signals, and more specifically to anaddressable Polymer Thick Film (“PTF”) device that enables suchinterpretation and conversion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices are known in the art to capture images described by contact on asurface. A primary, although by no means exclusive, application for suchimaging devices is in the area of fingerprinting, whether for security,forensics or other purposes. Other applications include analysis ofsurface texture for classification or testing purposes, or recordingcontact for archival purposes, or possibly mechanical duplication.

All of the foregoing applications involve translating the imagedescribed by contact into a reproducible record of the image. Forexample, in the fingerprint application, a time-honored system is to“ink” the fingers and roll them on a paper or card surface. Of course,without further scanning of the results, such systems lack thecapability to generate computer-ready signals representative of theimages. Without the storage and analysis capabilities of a computer,cataloging and comparison of such fingerprint images is a time-consumingand unpredictable task.

More recent devices shine light onto the fingerprint via a prism. Thereflected image may be captured on photosensitive film, or received ontoa photosensitive array. In the latter case, the image may then bepixelated and stored as an analog or digital signal representative ofthe image. These signals are now available for further processing bycomputers.

The specification of co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication IRRADIATED IMAGES DESCRIBED BY ELECTRICAL CONTACT IN THREEDIMENSIONS incorporated herein by reference (hereafter “IrradiatedImages”), discloses an invention that generates images described bycontact, in which the contact itself closes an open circuit to generateradiation in a pattern in register with the contact. In this way, anirradiated image results, which corresponds directly to the contactpattern energizing the radiation.

A preferred embodiment of Irradiated Images is enabled by a PolymerThick Film (“PTF”) electroluminescent system without a rear electrode,in which a fingerprint is disposed to close the open circuit by makingcontact and thereby serving as a “temporary” rear electrode. Theelectroluminescent system then energizes in a pattern in register withthe contact (i.e. the fingerprint) to emit a high-resolution image ofvisible light with high fidelity to the contact. This image may then bedirected on to a photosensitive array suitable for conversion into anelectrical signal representative of the image.

Irradiated Images emphasizes that it is in no way limited tofingerprinting applications. According to the invention, any form ofelectrically conductive contact will describe an irradiated image. Thus,the surface textures of many objects, animate or inanimate, may beimaged with the invention.

Further, Irradiated Images teaches that it is not limited to contactgenerating visible light via a PTF electroluminescent system. Althoughthe preferred PTF embodiment is highly advantageous, Irradiated Imagescontemplates generation by contact of any radiation in theelectromagnetic spectrum to enable the invention. Such contact-generatedradiation may or may not be energized using an electroluminescentsystem, PTF or otherwise. For example, an infra-red image could begenerated by an open circuit where heat is emitted in a pattern inregister with selective closure of the circuit by the contact. Clearly,yet further fidelity and resolution of images described by contact maybe available through selection of the wavelength of the radiationgenerated by the invention, as may be compatible with the devicereceiving and interpreting the irradiated image.

Moreover, Irradiated Images is not limited to imaging to two dimensions.Particularly when deployed using elastomeric electroluminescent lamptechniques such as disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. PatentsELASTOMERIC ELECTROLUMINESCENT LAMP (hereafter “Elastomeric Lamps”) andELECTROLUMINESCENT SYSTEM IN MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE, (hereafter “ELMonolithic Structure”), the disclosures of which applications are fullyincorporated by reference herein, Irradiated Images allows truethree-dimensional images to be taken of three-dimensional surfaces. Themembranous properties of elastomeric lamp layers such as disclosed inthe above-referenced patents facilitate deploying Irradiated Images onsuch a three-dimensional surface. So deployed, a three-dimensional imagecan be energized that is in register with corresponding threedimensional contact. This image may then be converted to an electricalsignal that is representative of the three-dimensional contact withoutapproximation or projection from a planar or two-dimensional state.

The foregoing exemplary image-generation mechanisms all require areceptor device for images to be memorialized for later processing. Theprocessing power of computers becomes enabled when such receptorsgenerate digital representations of the images. It would therefore behighly advantageous to provide a two- or three-dimensional addressablereceptor in laminate form capable of generating such digitalrepresentation of images. It would be further advantageous to providesuch an addressable receptor whose design lent itself to construction inPTF form. Such an addressable PTF receptor would be reliable andinexpensive to manufacture, especially if made in accordance withtechniques such as are disclosed in co-pending, commonly-owned U.S.patent applications MEMBRANOUS MONOLITHIC EL STRUCTURE WITH URETHANECARRIER (hereafter “Urethane Carriers”) and MEMBRANOUS EL SYSTEM INUV-CURED URETHANE ENVELOPE (hereafter “UV-curable EL”), the disclosuresof which applications are incorporated herein by reference. Moreover,such an addressable PTF receptor would be highly compatible with theimage-generating devices such as taught by Irradiated Images in bothtwo- and three-dimensional deployments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects, features and technical advantages are achievedby an addressable receptor in laminate form that generates electricalsignals responsive to irradiated images. A preferred embodiment isdeployed advantageously in membranous PTF laminate form using urethanecontent and UV-curable inks, although the invention is not limited inany of these regards. A preferred embodiment also generates electricalsignals readable by a digital processor, although again the invention isnot limited in such regard.

The inventive laminate substantially comprises a rear conductive layerincluding a plurality of substantially parallel rear electrode strips,each of which is substantially electrically isolated, and an at leastpartially translucent front conductive layer also including a pluralityof substantially parallel front electrode strips, each of which is alsosubstantially electrically isolated. The front conductive layer isdisplaced angularly with respect to the rear conductive layer so that anarray of electrode regions of intersection is formed corresponding tothe regions at which the rear electrode strips cross over the frontelectrode strips.

It will be noted that in the preferred embodiment described herein, therear and front electrode strips are disclosed substantially straight andsubstantially perpendicular to each other for ease of illustration anddescription. It will nonetheless be understood that the invention is notlimited in this regard. Consistent with the scope of the invention, therear and front electrode strips may each follow any desired curved orcontoured pattern, in two or three dimensions, so long as the strips runsubstantially parallel within the pattern, and so long as whensuperposed, the rear and front electrode strips intersect to form adefinable array of electrode regions of intersection.

The rear and front conductive layers in the inventive laminate areseparated by a reactive layer. By “reactive,” it will be understood thatportions of the layer generate electrical impulses, or undergo resistivechange, when exposed to radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. Whilea preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates a photosensitivelayer that is reactive to visible light, it will be understood that theinvention is not limited just to photosensitive performance, and othertypes of reactive layer that may be also responsive to radiation outsidethe visible spectrum are within the scope of the invention.

Alternative deployments of the reactive layer are disclosed. In a firstdeployment, the reactive layer comprises a plurality of discrete andsubstantially electrically isolated reactive regions. Non-conductivefiller, such as a dielectric, surrounds the reactive regions to isolatethem. The reactive regions are deployed in a reactive arraysubstantially in register with the array of electrode regions ofintersection. The reactive regions thus become electrically addressableby coordinate pairs of rear and front electrode strips. In a secondembodiment, the reactive layer comprises a unitary layer ofsubstantially uninterrupted reactive material commonly separating rearand front electrode strips at multiple, and in many cases, all of theelectrode regions of intersection. The reactive material in the unitarylayer in this second embodiment also advantageously possesses “Z-axis”properties, meaning that its structural properties allow electricalpathways only in a direction through the “thickness of the laminate,”i.e orthogonal to the plane of the laminate. The electrode regions ofintersection in this second embodiment thus define “zones” in theunitary reactive layer that are addressable by the respective coordinatepairs of rear and front electrodes. The size of the zones tends tocorrespond substantially to the size of the intersecting area ofelectrode strips, especially if the reactive material possesses strong“Z-axis” properties. The width of the intersecting electrode strips andtheir angle of intersection thus influence the size of the addressablereactive zones.

Non-conductive filler material is interposed between the front electrodestrips to ensure substantial electrical isolation. Other advantages ofinterposing non-conductive filler between the front electrode strips aredescribed below. Non-conductive filler is also advantageously interposedbetween rear electrode strips, although design criteria may arise whensuch filler may be omitted. Non-conductive filler materials are wellknown. In the preferred embodiment, an exemplary suitable non-conductivefiller material is a dielectric such as barium-titanate ortitanium-dioxide. The non-conductive filler material may advantageouslybe deployed using a urethane carrier, and further advantageously using aUV-curable urethane carrier, bringing additional advantages such aredisclosed in Urethane Carriers and UV-curable EL.

As noted, the preferred embodiment of the invention is responsive toirradiated images of visible light, although the invention is notlimited in this regard. Accordingly, the front electrode strips comprisean electrode material that is translucent at least to visible light,such as indium-tin-oxide. The rear electrode strips may be made fromwell-known conductive materials that are opaque to light, such as, forexample, silver, graphite or copper. Silver is particularly advantageousin the rear electrode strips because of its reflective properties. Inembodiments where the inventive receptor is responsive to otherwavelengths of radiation outside the visible spectrum, it will beunderstood that the front electrode strips in such embodiments willcomprise a material that is at least partially translucent to suchradiation.

The reactive regions comprise an active ingredient selected to generateelectric potential or resistive change when exposed to radiation in aspecific wavelength range. In the preferred embodiment responsive toirradiated images of visible light, exemplary active ingredients includemulti-crystal silicon, cadmium-telluride (n-type) or cadmium-sulfide(p-type) in a p-n junction format, although it will be appreciated thatmany reactive materials are known and available as alternative activeingredients responsive to radiation above, below and including thevisible spectrum. Alternatively, use of silver-sulfide in the p-njunction in the reactive layer will bring about resistive change uponexposure to radiation.

It is therefore a technical advantage of the present invention togenerate a digital signal representative of an irradiated image. Inoperation, an irradiated image is directed onto the receptor laminate.In the preferred embodiment responsive to visible light, the irradiatedpattern passes through the translucent front electrode strips andselectively energizes the reactive layer in a corresponding pattern.Where energized, the reactive regions or zones generate electricpotential (or alternatively resistive change) across the coordinatepairs of electrode strips addressed thereby. The condition of all of thereactive regions or zones (i.e. the reactive array) is periodicallysampled by polling a series of predetermined sequences of coordinatepairs of electrode strips. The polled value of the electrical potentialacross specific coordinate pairs in the series of sequences defines thecurrent energized (or resistive) state of the reactive array, and thusmay be used to generate a corresponding digital signal representative ofthe condition of the reactive array. Such a digital signal may thus becaptured as a computer-readable representation of the irradiated imagedirected onto the reactive receptor. Here again, two alternativeembodiments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polling merely detectsthe existence of electrical potential (or resistive change) atcoordinate pairs of electrode strips. Such information may be used togenerate a digital signal corresponding to a two-tone representation ofthe irradiated image. In a second embodiment, the polling furthermeasures the value of electrical potential (or resistive change) atcoordinate pairs of electrode strips. Such additional data may be usedto enrich the corresponding digital signal with gray-scale information.

Another technical advantage of the present invention is that it isimmediately compatible with image-generating laminates such as aretaught by Irradiated Images. In fact, the reactive receptor laminate ofthe present invention may be combined with an image-generating laminatesuch as in Irradiated Images to form a combined unitary laminateassembly. Moreover, EL manufacturing techniques such as are taught in ELMonolithic Structure will further enable two or more neighboring layersacross the combined unitary laminate assembly to achieve substantiallymonolithic properties.

This combined generator/receptor assembly will be immediately seen tohave added advantages in that it is a self-contained laminate capable ofgenerating a digital signals representative of a pattern of contact.

A further advantage of the present invention is that, when desired, thereactive receptor laminate may be fabricated in accordance withtechniques disclosed in Elastomeric Lamps, Urethane Carriers andUV-curable EL so as to achieve membranous properties in rapid-cure form.Such receptor laminates will then be immediately compatible with sourcesof irradiated images contoured into three dimensions, such as aredisclosed in Irradiated Images.

A still further technical advantage of the present invention is that itis scalable. Alternative techniques available to be used in constructionof the receptor laminate may be selected according to the reactive arrayresolution desired. Embodiments described herein teach a number ofexemplary combinations of construction techniques designed to achievevarying levels of reactive array resolution.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basisfor modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is section view as shown on FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a section view through an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 2C and 2D depict the invention in operation.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views of two alternative embodiments of thepresent invention depicting different electrode array patterns.

FIG. 3C is an orthographic view of a three-dimensional embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4A is a cutaway view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a section view of a two-dimensional embodiment of the presentinvention in use.

FIG. 5B is an orthographic view of a three-dimensional embodiment of thepresent invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described summarily above, the present invention comprises anapparatus disposed to receive irradiated images and generate electricalsignals which correspond to the received image. Advantageously, thesignals are computer-readable. A preferred embodiment includes amembranous PTF laminate comprising urethane and UV-curable inks. Thepreferred embodiment further includes an array of regions addressed byconductive material, with reactive material located at the addressableregions of the array. When selectively activated or stimulated, theaddressable reactive material is disposed to generate signals,advantageously computer-readable, representative of an irradiated imagecausing such selective activation or stimulation.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a general arrangement of a first embodiment isillustrated. Laminate 10 includes a plurality of layers, including atranslucent substrate layer 12, a front translucent electrode layer 14,a reactive layer 16, and a rear electrode layer 18. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the layers are advantageously deployed in Polymer Thick Film, orPTF, form.

With further reference to FIG. 1, laminate 10 comprises a substratelayer 12 on which front translucent electrode layer 14 is deployed. In apreferred embodiment, substrate layer 12 may be any suitable materialallowing the passage of visible light, such as polyester, polycarbonate,vinyl or elastomer. In embodiments where the inventive receptor isresponsive to other wavelengths or radiation outside the visiblespectrum, it will be understood that the substrate layer 12 in suchembodiments will comprise a material that is at least partiallytranslucent to such radiation.

With respect to the front translucent electrode layer 14, the layer 14itself includes translucent electrode strips 20 and front insulatorstrips 22. The electrode strips 20 and the insulator strips 22 arepositioned such that each electrode strip 20 is electrically isolated.Inks doped with a translucent conductive material and inks doped with aninsulator such as a dielectric material may be deployed, for exampleusing screen printing, to form the electrode strips 20 and insulatorstrips 22 included in front translucent electrode layer 14. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, the electrode strips 20 and the insulator strips22 are arranged in a substantially straight, parallel alignment;however, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited inthis regard, and that other alignments are available, such as wavy,curved, spherical or other alignments.

As noted, the translucent electrode strips 20 may be comprised ofconductive ink and, in one embodiment, are deployed by screen printing.Other methods of deploying the translucent electrode strips 20 mayinclude micro pen deposition, photo mask etching, electrostaticprinting, rotary gravure, and hollow fibre deposition. The translucentelectrode strips 20 may be in the range of five to seven microns thickand are advantageously positioned on spacings of up to 50 microns,although the invention is not limited in this regard if coarser or finerresolution is advantageous to the particular service. In order toresolve optimal detail in a human fingerprint, the translucent electrodestrips 20 should be advantageously spaced less than 20 microns apart.Current CCD camera receptors generally resolve down to 9 microns.Accordingly, a reactive receptor according to the present invention inCCD service should provide translucent electrode strips 20 spaced about9 microns apart.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention is responsive to irradiatedimages of visible light, thus the front translucent electrode layer 14may comprise a translucent conductive material that is translucent tovisible light, such as indium-tin-oxide. Other suitable translucentconductive materials may act as the electrode material in the fronttranslucent electrode layer 14, such as aluminum-tin-oxide ortantalum-tin-oxide, zinc-coated glass fibre, fine gold, or dopedantimony. In embodiments where the inventive receptor is responsive toother wavelengths or radiation outside the visible spectrum, it will beunderstood that the front electrode strips 20 in such embodiments willcomprise a material that is at least partially translucent to suchradiation. Insulator strips 22, aligned between front translucentelectrode strips 20, may comprise barium titanate, titanium dioxide orother suitable materials.

FIG. 1 also illustrates reactive layer 16 deployed adjacent to fronttranslucent layer 14. It will be understood that a pattern of radiation,such as light, directed onto the reactive layer 16 will activate thereactive layer 16 in the areas of the layer actually exposed toradiation. Referring momentarily to FIG. 4B, addressable zones 38 in theexposed areas of the reactive layer 16 will become activated and willgenerate detectable changes in state (e.g. resistance) that may bepolled. It will be then appreciated that such polled changes in statemay be advantageously represented as computer readable signalscorresponding to the activated areas of the reactive layer 16.

In a preferred embodiment, reactive layer 16 is approximately 10-15microns thick and is comprised of a vinyl or urethane carrier doped witha multi-crystal silicon, or with cadmium-telluride (n-type), or withcadmium-sulfide (p-type). P-n junctions are created within the reactivelayer 16 which, when exposed to radiation, will generate an electricalcharge. Alternatively, the reactive layer 16 may be doped withsilver-sulfide which, when exposed to radiation, will exhibit ameasurable resistive change. Materials such as cadmium-telluride andsilver-sulfide are commonly available in the industry but can also bepurchased from the Aldrich Company in 5 micron powder form.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the reactive layer 16 may comprisea continuous layer over the front translucent electrode layer 14 asshown in FIG. 4B. Common screen-printing, ink-jet printing,electrostatic deposition, rotary gravure, or rotary flexo techniques maybe used to apply this layer of reactive material. Alternatively, asdepicted in FIG. 4A, the reactive layer 16 may comprise a plurality ofdiscontinuous “regions” 36 of reactive material deployed at each regionof intersection 34 where the translucent electrode strips 20 intersectthe rear electrode strips 24.

With further reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment includes therear electrode layer 18 deployed adjacent to the reactive layer 16.Analogous to front translucent electrode layer 14, the rear electrodelayer 18 comprises non-intersecting, alternating electrode strips 24 andinsulator strips 26. Electrode strips 24 may be deployed byscreen-printing techniques, or other methods such as micro pendeposition, photo mask etching, electrostatic printing, rotary gravure,or hollow fibre deposition, and may range from 1-50 microns wide and8-10 microns thick. The deployed thicknesses of insulator strips 26 andelectrode strips 24 are advantageously substantially the same. Thisassists in deployment of a rear electrode layer 18 that is substantiallyuniform in thickness.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rear electrode layer 18 andthe front translucent electrode layer 14 are oriented relative to eachother such that the translucent electrode strips 20 and the rearelectrode strips 24 create array of regions of intersection 34 separatedby the addressable zones 38 of reactive layer 16 shown in more detail onFIG. 4B. Although illustrated on FIGS. 4A and 4B to be orthogonal, itwill be understood that the invention is not limited in this regard. Itwill be appreciated that, consistent with the invention, the fronttranslucent electrode layer 14 and the rear electrode layer 18 may beoriented relative to each other in any orientation so long as anaddressable array is formed by their regions of intersection 34. It willbe appreciated further that front translucent electrode strips 20 andrear electrode strips 24 may be of different widths and thicknesses andmay feature different patterns or different arrangements of electrodestrips, as illustrated in exemplary fashion on FIGS. 3A and 3B, indefining an addressable array of regions of intersection 34.

The non-translucent rear electrode strips 24 of rear electrode layer 18may comprise any suitable, conductive material, such as, for example,silver, graphite, copper (photo-etched or in native form), metal oxide,or spherical glass in sub-micron form coated with metal to form aconductive powder. With respect to the rear insulator strips 26, in apreferred embodiment, the insulator strips 26 comprise barium titinate.

The layers 14, 16, and 18 of the inventive laminate 10 may be deployedusing technology taught in Irradiated Images, EL Monolithic Structure,Elastomeric Lamps, Urethane Carriers and UV-curable EL, all of whichdisclosures are incorporated herein by reference. The laminate 10 may beassembled in the order as discussed above (e.g., the front electrodelayer 14, deployed before the reactive layer which are deployed beforethe rear electrode layer 18), or reverse order of deployment may beequally advantageous. A sealing layer 28 may be added to protect thelaminate and to seal it electrically.

In a preferred embodiment, all layers in laminate 10 are advantageouslyscreen printed, including the front translucent electrode layer 14, thereactive layer 16, and the rear electrode layer 18. In an alternativeembodiment disclosed in FIG. 4A and discussed below. However,discontinuous reactive regions 36 may preferably be ink-jet printed.

In other embodiments, the rear electrode strips 24 and the fronttranslucent electrode strips 20 may also be photo-mask etched onsputtered polyester or some other suitable substrate. Some of theUV-curable, monolithic and membranous advantages of screen-printing inaccordance with Irradiated Images, EL Monolithic Structure, ElastomericLamps, Urethane Carriers and UV-curable EL may be adversely affectedwith etching, but photo-mask etching is known to achieve line widthsdown to 6 microns if such resolution is needed. A membranous structureusing a unitary carrier is also a highly advantageous embodiment of theinvention, particularly in the 3-dimensional embodiment depicted in FIG.5B, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to thisembodiment, or indeed to any of the foregoing embodiments describedabove.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, a cross section as shown on FIG. 1 is shown. Itwill be seen on FIG. 2A that laminate 10 also may include a sealinglayer 28 on top of the rear electrode layer. This sealing layer 28 isomitted from FIG. 1 for clarity. The sealing layer 28 may comprise vinylor urethane or any other suitable material translucent to the irradiatedimage being sensed. Sealing layer 28 is optional depending on theapplication in which the laminate 10 is used.

FIG. 2B is a similar cross-section to FIG. 2A, illustrating analternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the rearelectrode layer 18 is positioned adjacent to the substrate layer 12. Inthis arrangement, the substrate layer 12 need not be translucent to theradiation to which the laminate 10 is exposed. In fact, an alternativeembodiment of the disclosed invention features a reflective substratelayer 12 such that the irradiated image to which the laminate 10 isexposed may reflect back through the laminate 10 and further energizereactive layer 16 in selected addressable regions.

FIGS. 2C and 2D show exemplary irradiated images, specifically a thumbprint and a footprint, being received by an addressable receptor asdisclosed herein. FIG. 2C shows one embodiment of the disclosedinvention where y-contacts 30 are connected to the rear electrode layer18 (not shown) thereby providing the y-coordinates identifying theaddressable zones 38 of the reactive layer 16 (not shown) selectivelyactivated by the irradiated image. Similarly, x-contacts 32 areconnected to the front translucent electrode layer 14 (not shown)thereby providing the x-coordinates corresponding to the addressablezones 38 of the reactive layer 16 selectively activated by theirradiated image. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 2D, the y-contacts30 are connected to the front translucent electrode layer 14 and providethe y-coordinates for activated addressable zones 38 of the reactivelayer 16. Similarly, the x-contacts 32 are connected to the rearelectrode layer 18 and provide the x-coordinates for the activatedaddressable zones 38 of the reactive layer 16.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show plan views of two alternative embodiments in whichfront translucent electrode strips 20 and rear electrode strips 24intersect to form irregularly-shaped arrays of electrode regions ofintersection 34.

FIG. 3C is an orthographic view of an alternative embodiment in whichrear electrode strips 24 and front translucent electrode strips 20intersect to form a three-dimensional array of regions of intersection34.

As discussed above, FIG. 4A shows an alternative embodiment comprisingreactive regions 36 included in reactive layer 16. In this embodiment,the reactive layer 16 is discontinuous and is comprised of reactiveregions 36 deployed at the regions of intersection 34 between the fronttranslucent electrode strips 20 and the rear electrode strips 24. Notethat although reactive regions 36 are depicted on FIG. 4A as circular,it will be understood that reactive regions 36 may be any suitableshape. Reactive regions 36 are surrounded by insulator material (notshown), such as barium titanate or other dielectric material. In a PTFembodiment, the reactive layer 16 comprising reactive regions 36 mayadvantageously be deployed at thicknesses ranging from 5-7 microns,although the invention is not limited in this regard.

The reactive regions 36 illustrated in FIG. 4A may be preferablydeployed using ink-jet printing techniques commonly known in the art;however, any method of deploying the regions 36 may be used. Preferably,a urethane carrier may be included in the ink comprising reactiveregions 36 in the embodiment of FIG. 4A; however, the invention is againnot limited in this regard. By using ink-jet technology, the reactiveregions 36 may be deployed as dots with diameters of 5-15 microns;however, it will be appreciated that reactive regions 36 may be deployedin any suitable size

Additional embodiments of the invention may use alternative techniquesin deploying the reactive regions 36; such as, micro-pen or hollow fiberdeposition. Hollow fiber deposition is known to inject material fordeposition through a hollow fiber and then permit laser curing in situ.

When reactive layer 16 is in discontinuous region form, such asillustrated in FIG. 4A, the reactive regions 36 are advantageouslydeployed first. The next step may be to print around the reactiveregions 36 with a dielectric insulator material (not shown). Suchselective printing techniques are well known in the screen printing art.

FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative embodiment with reactive layer 16 incontinuous layer form and of a sufficient thickness that the laminate 10is able to provide “z-axis” conductivity properties as described abovein the “Summary” section of this disclosure. Also shown in FIG. 4B areaddressable zones 38 of reactive layer 16. These addressable zones 38correspond to areas where the front translucent electrode strips 20 andrear electrode strips 24 intersect to form regions of intersection 34 asillustrated on FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. When the reactive layer 16 isactivated at one of these addressable zones 38, a signal may be detectedat the corresponding region of intersection 34 of electrode strips 20and 24. When an irradiated image is exposed to the laminate 10, aselected addressable zones 38 corresponding to the irradiated image willbe activated, as depicted in exemplary fashion in FIGS. 2C and 2Ddiscussed above.

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of an image generator as disclosed inIrradiated Images combined with a receptor laminate 10 as disclosedherein in two-dimensional deployment. As is shown in FIG. 5A, a humanthumb completes the circuit within the image generator and causes theluminescent layer to generate an irradiated image representing the humanthumb as disclosed in Irradiated Images and related patents. The lightor other type of radiation from the image generator passes through thesubstrate layer 12, through the front translucent electrode layer 14 andinto the reactive layer 16. The addressable zones 38 of the reactivelayer 16 exposed to the irradiated image will react to the radiation.Front translucent electrode strips 20 and rear electrode strips 24 willdetect the change in the reactive layer 16 at the addressable zones 38.Polling the state of addressable zones 38 via electrode strips 20 and 24will enable a corresponding signal to be generated that isrepresentative of the irradiated image.

FIG. 5B is an orthographic view of a combined image generator andreceptor laminate 10 as in FIG. 5A, except in three-dimensionaldeployment. This embodiment offers all of the features of the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5A with the added advantage of being able to generate asignal representative of a three-dimensional image.

Techniques of sampling or polling arrays of interconnected electrodesare well known in the art and may be useful to create a digital signalrepresentative of the irradiated image. Also, techniques are known inthe art for converting the current state of a polled or sampled arrayinto a representative digital signal suitable for processing by digitalprocessors.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An addressable receptor, comprising: a rear conductive layerincluding a plurality of substantially parallel rear electrode strips,each of the rear electrode strips being individually substantiallyelectrically isolated; a front conductive layer including a plurality ofsubstantially parallel front electrode strips, each of the frontelectrode strips also being individually substantially electricallyisolated, wherein a plurality of the front electrode strips comprise anelectrically-conductive material that is at least partially transparentto radiation in a selected waveband; the front conductive layersuperposed over the rear conductive layer and oriented with respectthereto so as to form an array of electrode regions of intersectioncorresponding to regions at which the rear electrode strips cross overthe front electrode strips; and the rear and front conductive layersseparated by a reactive layer, the reactive layer comprising a pluralityof predetermined reactive regions, the reactive regions located in areactive array substantially in register with the array of electroderegions of intersection so that the reactive regions are electricallyaddressable by coordinate pairs of rear and front electrode strips. 2.The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which selected ones of the rearconductive layer, the front conductive layer and the reactive layer arepolymer thick film layers.
 3. The addressable receptor of claim 1, inwhich the front conductive layer is oriented substantiallyperpendicularly with respect to the rear conductive layer.
 4. Theaddressable receptor of claim 1, in which the selected waveband isvisible light, and in which the electrically-conductive material that isat least partially transparent thereto is a material selected from thegroup consisting of: (a) indium-tin-oxide; (b) aluminum-tin-oxide; (c)zinc-coated glass fibre; (d) gold; (e) doped antimony; and (f)tantalum-tin-oxide.
 5. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which theselected waveband is the visible spectrum.
 6. The addressable receptorof claim 1, in which the rear electrode strips are substantiallyelectrically isolated via intervening strips of non-conductive filler.7. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which the front electrodestrips are substantially electrically isolated via intervening strips ofnon-conductive filler.
 8. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in whichthe reactive regions are discrete regions substantially electricallyisolated via surrounding territories of non-conductive filler.
 9. Theaddressable receptor of claim 8, in which the reactive regions aredeposited using a process selected from the group consisting of: (a) inkjet printing; (b) screen printing; (c) electrostatic deposition; (d)rotary gravure; (e) rotary flexo; (f) micro pen; and (g) hollow fiberpen.
 10. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which the reactiveregions comprise a reactive material selected from the group consistingof: (a) multi-crystal silicon; (b) cadmium-telluride; (c)cadmium-sulfide; and (d) silver-sulfide.
 11. The addressable receptor ofclaim 1, in which the reactive layer comprises a unitary reactive layercommonly interposed between multiple electrode regions of intersection,the predetermined reactive regions therein substantially described byzones of the unitary reactive layer physically located between rear andfront electrode strips at the electrode regions of intersection.
 12. Theaddressable receptor of claim 11, in which the unitary reactive layercomprises a material having Z-axis properties.
 13. The addressablereceptor of claim 12, in which the unitary reactive layer is depositedin polymer thick film form using a vehicle that provides the Z-axisproperties after curing.
 14. The addressable receptor of claim 1, inwhich selected ones of the rear and front electrode strips are depositedusing a process selected from the group consisting of: (a) screenprinting; (b) micro pen deposition; (c) photo-mask etching; (d)electrostatic printing; (e) rotary gravure; and (f) hollow fibredeposition.
 15. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which the rearand front electrode strips are of substantially equal width in the rangeof 1-50 microns.
 16. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which thereactive regions are of substantially equal diameter in the range of5-15 microns.
 17. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which the rearand front conductive layers in combination with the reactive layercomprise a membranous laminate.
 18. The addressable receptor of claim17, in which selected ones of the rear and front conductive layers andthe reactive layer comprise a UV-curable carrier.
 19. The addressablereceptor of claim 1, in which the rear and front conductive layers incombination with the reactive layer comprise a laminate, the addressablereceptor further including: a substrate upon which the laminate isdisposed; and an envelope layer substantially sealing the laminate tothe substrate, the envelope layer leaving connector portions of the rearand front electrode strips exposed so as to allow electrical connectionthereto.
 20. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which the rear andfront conductive layers in combination with the reactive layer comprisea laminate, the addressable receptor further including: a substrate uponwhich the front conductive layer is disposed.
 21. The addressablereceptor of claim 1, in which the rear and front conductive layers incombination with the reactive layer comprise a receptor laminate, thereceptor laminate included in a unitary laminate assembly alsocomprising an irradiated image generating laminate.
 22. The addressablereceptor of claim 21, in which the unitary laminate assembly acts as aself-contained apparatus for directly converting images described bycontact into digital signals representative thereof.
 23. The addressablereceptor of claim 1, in which a plurality of the rear electrode stripscomprise a material selected from the group consisting of: (a) silver;(b) graphite; (c) copper; (d) metal-coated glass; and (e) a metal oxide.24. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which at least one of therear and front conductive layers deploys electrode strips in a patterncontaining curves.
 25. The addressable receptor of claim 1, in which therear and front conductive layers deploy electrode strips in athree-dimensional contoured shape.